- Posted by: Tania Wheeler
- July 31, 2008, 2:28 pm
Yellow Fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans via the bite of infected mosquitoes – much like malaria.
Unlike malaria which is often talked and written about, a lot of
travelers aren’t sure if they require a vaccination against Yellow
Fever or what they need a certificate for. The last thing you want is
to get halfway through your African trip-of-a-lifetime and be
quarantined or refused entry at a border post!
Here are some points that may help you….
- Yellow Fever is prevalent across most of West, Central and East Africa.
- Be immunized against Yellow Fever before you travel.
- Request a ‘Yellow Fever Certificate’ or other internationally
recognized proof of your immunization.This certificate becomes valid 10
days after vaccination and remains valid for 10 years.
- Make sure the Certificate is signed and stamped by the immunization center, otherwise it is not valid.
- When you arrive at your next destination or country you could be asked to produce your Certificate - keep it handy.
Limiting your exposure to mosquitoes is a huge bonus. Some helpful tips are…
- Use mosquito nets and tents with built-in mosquito nets where possible.
- Cover up with long sleeved shirts and long pants between sunset
and sunrise. Light-weight clothing will be needed for warmer areas!
- Use insect repellents especially if they contain DEET - but never put 100% DEET on your skin – ouch!
- Sprays that contain Permethrin are a good idea for spraying on
your clothes. Candles containing Permethrin are often available at
camping stores – but be careful not to use them inside your tent!
Feel free to mail any questions about travel in Africa and overland travel in Africa or share your comments in the space below.
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About the Author
Tania Wheeler is the General Manager of Overlanding Africa.com. and has worked in the travel industry since 2000.
After working on overland trucks for 5 years in both the Middle East and Africa, Tania discovered she had a passion for people and places off ‘the beaten track’. Originally from New Zealand, Tania travelled widely before falling in love with Africa and ’setting up shop’ in Cape Town.
Tania Wheeler
10:13 am, August 27, 2008
Greta wrote:
WE are travelling to Lilongwe , touching down in the airport in Nairobi Kenya, for two hours, will we need the yellow fever vaccination?
Tania Wheeler
10:21 am, August 27, 2008
Hi Greta,
That will really depend on if you leave the airport or not, where you are traveling from and which immigration official you meet on arrival in Lilongwe.
Kenya is a ‘Yellow Fever area’ and although you are only there for 2 hours and may not require the immunization as such, you may have to have the Certificate to get into Malawi - which you obviously can not get with out the vaccination!
I would suggest you contact your local Malawi embassy or high commission and get them to confirm if you are required to present a Yellow Fever Certificate to immigration staff on arrival.
Good luck!